The "Great Victory War Song" is a World War I-era patriotic song written by Sara Swauger, with music composed by Edgar L. Spink. It was published in 1918 by Spink & Wagnalls (a different entity from the more well-known Funk & Wagnalls), located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Background and Context

• Historical Setting: The song was published in 1918, the final year of World War I. By this time, the United States had been actively involved in the war for over a year, having declared war on Germany in April 1917. American public sentiment was marked by a mix of patriotism, sacrifice, and a strong desire for a victorious and just end to the conflict.
• Purpose and Tone: Like many WWI songs, Great Victory War Song was intended to boost morale, inspire national pride, and support the war effort. It likely celebrated the anticipated triumph of the Allied forces and the contributions of American soldiers overseas. The title alone suggests a celebratory and optimistic tone, possibly encouraging unity on the home front and valorizing the troops.
• Sheet Music and Performances: Songs like this one were often performed in parlors, at community gatherings, and in vaudeville shows. They played an important role in shaping public opinion and keeping spirits high during wartime. Though not as widely known as other WWI hits like Over There by George M. Cohan, it reflects the broader cultural and musical output of the time.
• Composer and Lyricist:
  • Sara Swauger is not widely documented in mainstream music history, suggesting she may have been a local or amateur lyricist whose work was published regionally.
  • Edgar L. Spink, the composer, also appears to have been active in the Pittsburgh area and may have composed other patriotic or popular songs during this era.

Legacy

The Great Victory War Song is preserved today mainly in archival collections, such as those of the Library of Congress and university libraries with historical sheet music holdings. These types of songs are valuable for researchers studying American propaganda, music, and public sentiment during World War I.